3 white rhinos killed in Gravelotte poaching incidents
Police are investigating whether two separate poaching incidents on Gravelotte farms, four days apart, are connected after three rhinos were killed.
LIMPOPO – Three white rhinos have been killed and their horns removed in separate suspected poaching incidents on farms in the Gravelotte area, prompting an investigation by the police’s Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit.
The incidents occurred on August 13 and 17 respectively.
Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba confirmed that police are investigating both incidents.
Gunshots heard before carcasses found
In the first incident, at approximately 17:00, security officers allegedly heard gunshots in the area.
They immediately conducted an initial investigation, during which two white rhino carcasses were discovered.
Both animals had been killed and their horns removed by the suspected poachers. Police are now working to establish the circumstances surrounding the killings and to identify those responsible for the attack.
Four days later, another rhino was found dead.
Security personnel at the farm discovered the carcass of the rhino, and as in the first incident, the horn had been removed.
The recovery of rifle projectiles from both scenes forms an important part of the ongoing investigation as police seek to establish whether the incidents are connected, and whether the same individuals or group may be responsible.
Concerns over poaching syndicates
The two incidents have raised renewed concerns over the threat posed by rhino poaching in the area, where criminal syndicates continue to target the valuable horns of these endangered animals, police said.
Ledwaba said investigations are continuing and police are appealing to members of the public to assist in bringing those responsible to justice.
“Anyone with information that may assist the police in identifying the suspects or establishing the circumstances surrounding these incidents is urged to come forward,” said Ledwaba.
He urged anyone with information to contact Lieutenant Colonel Pieter Meyer on 082 319 9460.
Role of farm security highlighted
The killings also highlight the critical role played by farm security personnel and law enforcement in detecting and responding to wildlife crimes.
Police have not disclosed whether any suspects have been identified or whether the recovered projectiles have been linked to a specific firearm.
